Valve arrangement, in particular for adjusting a heat transfer medium flow in the heat transfer medium circuit of a vehicle

Abstract

Valve arrangement (34), in particular for adjusting a heat transfer medium flow in the heat transfer medium circuit (10) of a vehicle, comprising a valve housing (48) through which heat transfer medium can flow and having a first flow connection region (32) and a second flow connection region (36), a first valve member (56) adjustable in the valve housing (48) between a first valve position and a second valve position as a function of a pressure difference between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36),wherein in the first valve position of the first valve member (56), a flow connection between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36) can be blocked by the first valve member (56), and in the second valve position of the first valve member (56), the flow connection between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36) is opened, further comprising a flow channel (112) between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36) and a second valve member (80) which, depending on the temperature, releases the flow channel (112) in a release position for flow and blocks it against flow in a blocking position, wherein an actuating arrangement (110) is assigned to the second valve member (80), characterized in thatthat the second valve member (80) is set in its release position by the actuating arrangement (110) when the heat transfer medium temperature is below a switching temperature and is set in its blocking position when the heat transfer medium temperature is above the switching temperature.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve arrangement which can be used to adjust a heat transfer medium flow in the heat transfer medium circuit of a vehicle.

[0002] EP 1 835 142 A2 discloses a valve arrangement associated with a fuel-operated vehicle heater, which is designed to establish various heat transfer medium flow circuits depending on the temperature of the generally liquid heat transfer medium flowing in the heat transfer medium circuit, on the one hand, and on the heat transfer medium pressures present at various flow connection regions of the valve arrangement, on the other. This known valve arrangement has a first valve element that is displaceable depending on the pressure conditions at a first flow connection region and a second flow connection region. A second valve element is arranged in the first valve element, which, depending on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, opens the first valve element for flow or essentially blocks it from flow.

[0003] The functionality of this known valve arrangement is such that when the fuel-operated heater is in operation, which also means that a heat transfer medium pump assigned to this heater is in operation, while a heat transfer medium pump assigned to the drive unit is not in operation, the heat transfer medium conveyed through a heat exchanger arrangement of the heater is conveyed towards a further heat exchanger arrangement, where heat is transferred to the air to be introduced into the vehicle interior. From this further heat exchanger arrangement, the heat transfer medium flows back via a check valve to the suction side of the heat transfer medium pump assigned to the heater.If the temperature of the heat transfer medium rises above the switching temperature, the second valve element arranged in the first valve element is moved from its blocked position to its released position by a shape memory element, so that the first valve element is subsequently released for flow. The heat transfer medium pumped by the heater's heat transfer medium pump then flows not only towards the further heat exchanger arrangement in order to transfer heat to the air being introduced into the vehicle interior, but also towards the drive unit, flowing through its heat transfer medium jacket so that the drive unit is also preconditioned. If the drive unit is subsequently started up, the heat transfer medium pump assigned to it is also activated.This results in the first valve element, together with the second valve element positioned therein in its release position, being displaced such that the two heat transfer medium pumps can operate in series and an operating heat transfer medium flow circuit is established in which the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium jacket of the drive unit flows through the further heat exchanger arrangement. In the area of ​​the valve arrangement, this flow circuit is branched so that part of the heat transfer medium flows only through the valve arrangement itself, while another part of the heat transfer medium flows through the heater or its heat exchanger arrangement. This means that, if necessary, the heat transfer medium can also be additionally heated in the heater even when the drive unit is operating, i.e. the heater can function as an auxiliary heater.

[0004] DE 103 59 293 A1 describes a valve arrangement with a first valve element which is adjustable as a function of a pressure difference between a first line and a second line, and a second valve element which is adjustable as a function of temperature according to the preamble of patent claim 1 of the present patent application.

[0005] US 2004 / 0 026 521 A1 describes an arrangement for controlling a coolant flow for an engine, comprising a first and a second valve actuated by a motor that drives a worm gear drive in a temperature-dependent manner. Alternatively, the first and second valves are driven by a motor that expands or contracts in a temperature-dependent manner.

[0006] DE 60 2004 010 166 T2 describes a galley cooling system for an aircraft with a recirculation evaporator control valve which is operated by means of a control device based on a temperature sensor.

[0007] US 4 416 773 A describes a valve mechanism with a plurality of ball valves connected to different manifolds.

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to provide a valve arrangement, in particular for adjusting a heat transfer medium flow in the heat transfer medium circuit of a vehicle, which enables energy-saving operation of a heat transfer medium circuit equipped with such a valve arrangement.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a valve arrangement, in particular for adjusting a heat transfer medium flow in the heat transfer medium circuit of a vehicle, comprising a valve housing through which heat transfer medium can flow, having a first flow connection area and a second flow connection area, a first valve member adjustable in the valve housing between a first valve position and a second valve position as a function of a pressure difference between the first flow connection area and the second flow connection area, wherein in the first valve position of the first valve member, a flow connection between the first flow connection area and the second flow connection area can be blocked by the first valve member, and in the second valve position of the first valve member, the flow connection between the first flow connection area and the second flow connection area is released,further comprising a flow channel between the first flow connection region and the second flow connection region and a second valve member which releases the flow channel in a release position for flow and essentially blocks it in a blocking position against flow, depending on the temperature, wherein an actuating arrangement is assigned to the second valve member and the second valve member is set by the actuating arrangement in its release position when the heat transfer medium temperature is below a switching temperature and in its blocking position when the heat transfer medium temperature is above the switching temperature.

[0010] In the design of a valve arrangement according to the invention, this is also intended to open or interrupt flow paths depending on pressure, on the one hand, and temperature, on the other. In particular, the valve arrangement according to the invention is designed to move the second valve element into its blocking position when the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds or is above a switching temperature, so that the flow channel is essentially blocked. In this state, the valve arrangement according to the invention can contribute to interrupting a flow path, in particular a flow path leading through the heat transfer medium jacket of a drive unit, when the heat transfer medium is comparatively warm, i.e., when the heat transfer medium temperature is above the switching temperature.Thus, excessive heat loss through the drive unit's heat transfer medium jacket is prevented in this state when the drive unit is already sufficiently preconditioned. The heat still provided by a heater in a heat transfer medium circuit can be fully utilized to contribute to the conditioning of the vehicle interior. If sufficient heating has already been achieved, the heater's heating output can be reduced.

[0011] In order to be able to achieve the flow connection between the first flow connection region and the second flow connection region in a pressure-dependent manner in the valve arrangement according to the invention in association with various heat transfer medium flow circuits to be set up in a heat transfer medium circuit, it is proposed that when the heat transfer medium pressure at the first flow connection region is above the heat transfer medium pressure at the second flow connection region, the first valve element is in its first valve position and when the heat transfer medium pressure at the first flow connection region is below the heat transfer medium pressure at the second flow connection region, the first valve element is in its second valve position.

[0012] Adjustment of the second valve member that can be achieved without external control measures can be ensured, for example, by the actuating arrangement comprising a preloading element that biases the second valve member into its release position and a temperature-dependently expanding actuating element that urges the second valve member into its blocking position, counter to the biasing effect of the preloading element. The preloading element can, for example, comprise at least one preload spring. The actuating element can comprise at least one shape memory element, for example, made of a shape memory alloy.

[0013] In an advantageous design variant that can be implemented compactly, it is proposed that the first valve element comprise the flow channel and the second valve element. The second valve element thus forms a component of the first valve element and can thus open or close the first valve element depending on the temperature.

[0014] In order to release the first valve member for flow or to block it against flow depending on the temperature by means of the second valve member, it is proposed that the first valve member comprises a valve body with an interior space essentially providing the flow channel, wherein the second valve member is arranged in the interior space so as to be adjustable between its release position and its blocking position and / or wherein a valve seat is provided on the valve body for the second valve member to sit on in its blocking position.

[0015] Particularly when using a shape memory element that responds to the temperature of the heat transfer medium for the actuating arrangement, it is important that the actual current temperature of the heat transfer medium can always be sensed in the area of ​​the actuating arrangement, regardless of the various actuating states of the first valve element or the second valve element. To achieve this, it is proposed that a bypass flow path be provided on the first valve element to provide a heat transfer medium bypass flow through the first valve element when the second valve element is positioned in its blocking position.

[0016] In order to be able to provide a further switching function in the valve arrangement according to the invention, i.e. to be able to implement a merging of functions, it is proposed that a third flow connection region branching off from the first flow connection region is provided and that a check valve is assigned to the third flow connection region, wherein the check valve permits a heat transfer medium flow from the first flow connection region and / or from the second flow connection region through the third flow connection region and prevents a heat transfer medium flow through the third flow connection region to the first flow connection region and to the second flow connection region. Advantageously, the valve housing can provide the first flow connection region, the second flow connection region, and the third flow connection region.Furthermore, a valve seat for seating a check valve member may be provided at the third flow connection area.

[0017] The present invention further relates to a heat transfer medium circuit for a vehicle, comprising: - a preferably fuel-operated heater with a first heat exchanger arrangement for transferring heat provided in the heater to a heat transfer medium, - a second heat exchanger arrangement for transferring heat transported in the heat transfer medium to air to be introduced into a vehicle interior, - a drive unit, preferably an internal combustion engine, with a heat transfer medium jacket through which the heat transfer medium can flow, - a valve arrangement according to the invention, - a first connecting line between the drive unit and the heater, - a second connecting line between the heater and the second heat exchanger arrangement, - a third connecting line between the second heat exchanger arrangement and the first flow connection area of ​​the valve arrangement, - a fourth connecting line between the second flow connection area of ​​the valve arrangement and the drive unit.

[0018] In this heat transfer medium circuit, a fifth connecting line can also be provided, which leads away from the third flow connection area of ​​the valve arrangement and guides the heat transfer medium back towards the heater.

[0019] In order to be able to provide different heat transfer medium flow circuits in the heat transfer medium circuit according to the invention in different operating phases of the heater or drive unit, it is further proposed that a further valve arrangement is assigned to the heater, wherein the further valve arrangement is designed to then - when the heat transfer medium temperature is below a further switching temperature, to substantially block the first connecting line against flow and to release the second connecting line for flow, such that a small heat transfer medium flow circuit is established from the heater through the second connecting line, through the second heat exchanger arrangement, through the third connecting line, through the valve arrangement, through the fifth connecting line to the heater, - when the heat transfer medium temperature is above the further switching temperature, to release the first connecting line and the second connecting line for flow, such that a large heat transfer medium flow circuit is set up, comprising the small heat transfer medium flow circuit and an additional heat transfer medium flow circuit from the heater through the first connecting line, through the drive unit, through the fourth connecting line, through the valve arrangement, through the fifth connecting line to the heater.

[0020] In this design, the valve arrangement and the further valve arrangement interact in such a way that, on the one hand, depending on the pressure and, on the other hand, depending on the temperature, only the line areas or system components specifically provided for a respective prevailing temperature of the heat transfer medium and for a respective flow direction of the heat transfer medium and the pressure conditions generated thereby can be flowed through.

[0021] Advantageously, the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement is lower than the further switching temperature of the further valve arrangement. This further switching temperature can, for example, be in the range between 60 °C and 70 °C, for example approximately 67 °C, while the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement of the valve arrangement can be in a temperature range between approximately 20 °C and 30 °C. This switching temperature of the actuating arrangement ensures that, in a preconditioning phase, the drive unit or its heat transfer medium jacket can only be flowed through as long as there is a sufficiently large temperature difference between the temperature at the outlet of the first heat exchanger arrangement and the temperature at the outlet of the heat transfer medium jacket, thus preventing excessive heating of the drive unit.

[0022] In order to achieve a defined flow through the various line areas or system components for providing the small heat transfer medium flow circuit or the large heat transfer medium flow circuit, particularly in a phase in which the drive unit itself is not yet in operation, a first heat transfer medium pump can be assigned to the heater.

[0023] The further valve arrangement can advantageously be configured to establish an operating heat transfer medium flow circuit from the drive unit through the first connecting line, through the second connecting line, through the second heat exchanger arrangement, through the third connecting line, through the valve arrangement, through the fourth connecting line to the drive unit when the heat transfer medium pressure in the first connecting line is greater than the heat transfer medium pressure in the second connecting line. This operating heat transfer medium flow circuit is set up in particular when the drive unit itself is put into operation. For this purpose, it can further be provided that a second heat transfer medium pump is provided for conveying heat transfer medium to flow through the operating heat transfer medium flow circuit.

[0024] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the heat transfer medium circuit of a vehicle; Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of a valve arrangement of the heat transfer medium circuit of the Fig. 1 with the first valve element positioned in a first valve position depending on the pressure and the second valve element positioned in a release position depending on the temperature; Fig. 3 one of the Fig. 2 corresponding representation with the first valve element positioned in a first valve position depending on the pressure and the second valve element positioned in a blocking position depending on the temperature; Fig. 4 one of the Fig. 2 corresponding representation with the first valve element positioned in a second valve position depending on the pressure; Fig. 5 a longitudinal sectional view of the first valve member with the second valve member positioned in a blocking position depending on the temperature; Fig. 6 the first valve organ of the Fig. 5 in view direction VI in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 the first valve organ of the Fig. 5 in view direction VII in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 a sectional view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 2, cut along a line VIII-VIII in Fig. 2; Fig. 9 a sectional view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 2, cut along a line IX-IX in Fig. 2.

[0025] In Fig. 1, a heat transfer medium circuit of a vehicle is generally designated by 10. The generally liquid heat transfer medium circulating in this heat transfer medium circuit can, for example, be the coolant of a drive unit 12 embodied as an internal combustion engine. This drive unit 12 has a heat transfer medium jacket 14, indicated only schematically, in which the thermal interaction of the heat transfer medium with the drive unit 12 takes place.

[0026] The heat transfer medium circuit 10 further comprises a, for example, fuel-operated heater 16 with a first heat exchanger arrangement 18. In this first heat exchanger arrangement 18, the heat transfer medium flowing through the heater 16 can absorb heat. In a second heat exchanger arrangement 20, the heat transfer medium can transfer heat to the air to be introduced into a vehicle interior and conveyed by a fan 22.

[0027] The heat transfer medium circuit 10 comprises a first connecting line 24, which provides a flow connection between the drive unit 12 or its heat transfer medium jacket 14 and the heater 16 or a heater associated therewith and arranged in Fig. 1 only schematically illustrated valve arrangement 26. A connecting line 28 establishes a connection between the heater 16 or the valve arrangement 26 and the second heat exchanger arrangement 20. A third connecting line 30 connects the second heat exchanger arrangement 20 to a first flow connection region 32 of a valve arrangement 34. A second flow connection region 36 of the valve arrangement 34 is connected to the drive unit 12 or its water jacket 14 via a fourth connecting line 38. A third flow connection region 40 of the valve arrangement 34 is connected to the heater 16 or the valve arrangement 26 assigned to it via a fifth connecting line 42.

[0028] To achieve circulation of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit 10, a first heat transfer medium pump 44 is assigned to the heater 16. Like the valve arrangement 26, this pump can be structurally linked to the heater 16, but, like the valve arrangement 26, can also be provided as a separate unit from the heater 16 but functionally linked to it. The first heat transfer medium pump 44 is connected on the suction side to the fifth connecting line 42 and conveys the heat transfer medium through the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 toward the valve arrangement 26 or the first connecting line 24 and the second connecting line 28.

[0029] A second heat transfer medium pump 46 is assigned to the drive unit 12. This second heat transfer medium pump 46, which is also activated, for example, during operation of the drive unit 12, pumps the heat transfer medium through the water jacket 14 and is coupled on the suction side to the fourth connecting line 38 and on the pressure side to the first connecting line 24, so that the fluid taken up by the second heat transfer medium pump 46 from the fourth connecting line 38 is pumped toward the first connecting line 24.

[0030] In Fig. 2, the valve assembly 34 connected to the connecting lines 30, 38, 42 is shown enlarged and in detail. The valve assembly 34 comprises a valve housing 48, on which the first flow connection region 32, the second flow connection region 36 and also the third flow connection region 40 are formed. The first flow connection region can be provided by a connection piece 50 of the valve housing 48. The second flow connection region can comprise a connection piece 52, which can be formed integrally with the valve housing 48 or, as in Fig. 2, can be fixed as a separate component on the valve housing 48. The third flow connection region 40 can comprise a connection piece 54, which can be formed integrally with the valve housing 48, but can also be fixed as a separate component on the valve housing 48, as in the example shown.

[0031] For example, in the section of the valve housing 48 providing the second flow connection area 36, ​​the latter can accommodate a first valve member, generally designated 56. Movement stops 58, 60 integrally formed on the valve housing 48 are assigned to the first valve member 56. In the Fig. 2, the first valve member 56 is in a first valve position in contact with the first movement stop 58. In the state shown in Fig. 4, the valve member 56 is in a second valve position in contact with the second movement stop 60.

[0032] The first valve member 56 is provided on the valve housing 48 with several Fig. 9, which guide the valve member 56 during the movement between the two previously mentioned valve positions, are assigned to rib-like guide projections 62. Channel sections 64 are formed between guide projections 62 which follow one another directly in the circumferential direction. In the second valve position ( Fig. 4) positioned first valve member 56, these channel sections 64 are released for flow, so that a flow connection exists between the second flow connection area 36 and the first flow connection area 32 as well as the third flow connection area 40. If the first valve member 56 is in its in Fig. 2, it sits on the movement stop 58, which also provides a valve seat for the first valve member 56, so that the channel sections 64 are basically blocked against flow by the first valve member 56.

[0033] The Fig. 5, comprises an approximately cylindrical valve body 66. In this valve body 66, an interior space 68 is formed, which is arranged at the Fig. 5, which is positioned on the left and assigned to the second flow connection region 36 in the valve arrangement 34, is delimited by a bottom region 70 of the valve body 66 with a central valve opening 72. At the end region facing the first flow connection region 32, the interior space 68 in the valve body 66 is delimited by an annular closing element 74. The annular closing element 74 has three support spokes 76 which adjoin one another in a central region and between which respective flow openings 78 are formed. The interior space 68 can thus in principle be flowed through by heat transfer medium via the flow openings 78 and the valve opening 72.

[0034] A second valve member 80, which is a component of the first valve member 56, is provided in the interior 68 of the valve body 66. The second valve member 80 is essentially cylindrical and has various diameter ranges. With an essentially cylindrical first valve member section 82, the second valve member 80 can sit on a valve seat 84 provided on the base region 70 and surrounding the valve opening 72. With an essentially cylindrical second valve member section 86, the second valve member 80 can be axially supported on the support spokes 76. A radially outwardly extending collar or flange section 88 is formed between the two essentially cylindrical valve member sections 82, 86. On one side, a helical spring-like pretensioning spring 90 is supported on this, which is also supported on the base region 70 of the valve body 66. On the other axial side, aA shape memory element 92 designed like a helical spring is supported, which at the other end is supported on the support spokes 76 of the ring-like end element 74. The shape memory element 92 is made, for example, from a shape memory alloy and is provided in such a way that when a switching temperature, for example in the range between 20 °C and 30 °C, is exceeded, it changes into a shape memory element 92. Fig. 5 and thereby overcomes the preloading effect of the preload spring 90, so that the second valve member 80 sits with its first valve member section 82 on the valve seat 84. If the temperature in the area of ​​the shape memory element 92 is below this switching temperature, it cannot oppose the preload spring 90 with a force that overcomes its preloading effect, so that the preload spring 90, the second valve member 80 in the illustration of Fig. 5 to the right, for example, until its second valve member section 86 rests against the support spokes 76. In this state, the interior space 68 is open for flow.

[0035] In this movement between the Fig. 5 shown locking position and a subsequently with reference to the Fig. In the release position of the second valve member 80 described in Figure 2, the latter is guided, for example, by three rib-like guide projections 94 which engage inward on the valve body 66, so that the second valve member 80 positioned in its release position can be flowed around by heat transfer medium in the circumferential direction between these guide projections 94.

[0036] For example, three bypass flow openings 96 are provided in the bottom area 70 of the valve body 66. These are positioned so that they lie in the circumferential direction between the guide projections 94. When in its Fig. 5, the bypass flow openings 96 together with the interior space 68 form a bypass flow path 98 which ensures that the heat transfer medium flows around the shape memory element 92 even when the second valve element 80 is positioned in the blocking position, albeit to a significantly lesser extent than is the case in the release position of the second valve element.

[0037] The Fig. 2 shows that the valve arrangement 34, associated with the third flow connection region 40, comprises a check valve generally designated 100. The check valve has a check valve member 102, for example, of spherical design, which is assigned a valve seat 109 on the valve housing 48. The check valve member 102 is movably held in the valve housing 48 by a check valve insert 104, which provides, for example, several guide projections 108 and a movement stop 106, so that, depending on the pressure difference between the fifth connecting line 42 connected to the third flow connection region 40 on the one hand and the third connecting line 30 connected to the first flow connection region 32 or the fourth connecting line 38 connected to the second flow connection region 36 on the other hand, it either has one of its Fig. 2 or in its blocking position. In the blocking position, the check valve member 102 sits on the valve seat 109, so that a flow of heat transfer medium from the fifth connecting line 42 toward the valve arrangement 34 is fundamentally prevented, but a discharge of heat transfer medium from the valve arrangement 34 into the fifth connecting line 42 is fundamentally possible.

[0038] The following is based on the Fig. 2 to 4, the function of the valve arrangement 34 is described. Here, it is initially assumed that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the valve arrangement 34 is below the switching temperature of an actuating arrangement 110 comprising the preload spring 90 and the shape memory element 92. At a temperature below this switching temperature, which can be in the range between 20 °C and 30 °C, the shape memory element, following the preloading effect of the preload spring 90, is in its contracted state, which, for example, in Fig. 2. This further means that the second valve member 80 is in its release position and thus a flow channel 112 in the first valve member 56, which is provided essentially through the interior 68 of the valve body 66, is released for flow. This flow channel 112 runs through the first valve member 56 in such a way that, with appropriate positioning of the second valve member 80, it establishes a connection between the first flow connection region 32 and the second flow connection region 36, i.e., runs between these two flow connection regions 32, 36. If, in this state, the heat transfer medium pressure in the second flow connection region 36 is greater than the heat transfer medium pressure in the first flow connection region 32, the heat transfer medium acts on the first valve member 56 in the direction of its first valve position, which in Fig. 2. The first valve element 56 rests on the movement stop 58, which provides a valve seat, and thus essentially blocks the channel sections 64 from flowing through. However, since the second valve element 80 opens the flow channel 112 in the first valve element 56, the existing pressure difference allows heat transfer medium to flow from the second flow connection area 36 toward the first flow connection area 32 or the third flow connection area 40.

[0039] If the temperature of the heat transfer medium increases and exceeds the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement 110, the shape memory element 92 enters its expanded state, whereby the second valve element 80 is placed in its blocking position. This state is in Fig. 3. With the first valve member 56 still held in the first valve position due to the existing pressure difference and the second valve member 80 now positioned in its blocking position, the flow connection between the second flow connection region 36 and the first flow connection region 32 or the third flow connection region 40 is interrupted except for a slight bypass flow via the bypass flow path 98.

[0040] If the pressure conditions now change in such a way that the heat transfer medium pressure at the first flow connection area 32 exceeds the heat transfer medium pressure at the second flow connection area 36, ​​then due to the force exerted on the first valve member 56 in this state, the latter is displaced into its second valve position, which is Fig. 4. In this state, the first valve member is positioned in contact with the movement stop 60 and thus approximately in the longitudinal mid-range of the channel sections 64. Since these extend beyond the first valve member 56 in both end regions, they bridge it, so that in this second valve position of the first valve member 56, a flow connection is established between the second flow connection region 36 and the first flow connection region 32, regardless of whether the second valve member 80 is in its blocking position or in its release position.

[0041] Before referring to the Fig. 1, the above functionality of the valve arrangement 34 is explained in the context of the heat transfer medium circuit 10 in various operating phases thereof, it should be noted that the additional valve arrangement 26 assigned to the heater 16 can also have a similar structure or similar operating characteristics as described above with reference to the valve arrangement 34. In particular, the additional valve arrangement 26 can be provided with such a structure as disclosed in EP 1 835 142 A2. This document is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. The functionality of this additional valve arrangement 26 is briefly explained below.

[0042] This further valve arrangement 26 can also have a first valve element that can be displaced between a first valve position and a second valve position depending on the pressure, in particular depending on a pressure difference between the two connecting lines 24, 28. If the pressure of the heat transfer medium in the second connecting line 28 is greater than in the first connecting line 24, the first valve element of the further valve arrangement 26 is in its first valve position, in which the first connecting line 24 is generally shut off or can be blocked against flow.If the pressure in the first connecting line 24 is greater than the pressure of the heat transfer medium in the second connecting line 28, the first valve member of the further valve arrangement 26 is in its second valve position, in which the first connecting line 24 is released for flow, so that fluid flowing out of it can flow into the heat exchanger arrangement 18 and via this into the second connecting line 28, but on the other hand can also flow directly from the first connecting line 24 into the second connecting line 28.

[0043] In the first valve element of the further valve arrangement 26, a second valve element can be provided that can be adjusted between a blocking position and a release position depending on the temperature of the heat transfer medium. A thermally acting actuating arrangement, for example, with a preloading element and a shape memory element, can also be assigned to this second valve element. This actuating arrangement can have a further switching temperature, which can be in the range between 60 °C and 70 °C, for example, approximately 67 °C, thus being significantly higher than the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement 110 of the valve arrangement 34.If the temperature in the region of the actuating arrangement for the second valve element of the further valve arrangement 26 is below its switching temperature, for example below 67°C, this second valve element is placed in its blocking position by the actuating arrangement assigned to it, in which position the first valve element of this further valve arrangement 26 is essentially blocked against flow. If the first valve element is in its first valve position, the first connecting line 24 is essentially completely blocked against flow, and the heat transfer medium flowing through the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 can essentially only flow in the direction of the second connecting line 28.

[0044] If the pressure in the first connecting line 24 is higher than the pressure in the second connecting line 28, the first valve element of the further valve arrangement 26 moves into its second valve position. In this second valve position, the first connecting line 24 is generally open for flow, regardless of the positioning of the second valve element.

[0045] The following describes the operation of the heat transfer medium circuit 10 during the preconditioning of a vehicle. This assumes a state in which the vehicle and thus also the heat transfer medium present in the heat transfer medium circuit 10, as well as the various system areas of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle interior and the drive unit 12, have a comparatively low temperature, for example, in the range below 0 °C.

[0046] When the heat transfer medium circuit 10 is started up, for example in auxiliary heating mode, the heater 16 is first put into operation; i.e., if the heater is configured as a fuel-operated heater, combustion is started. For example, the first heat transfer medium pump 44 can also be put into operation when combustion begins. This pump conveys the heat transfer medium toward the first heat exchanger arrangement 18, which results in a negative pressure being created on the suction side, i.e., in the region of the fifth connecting line 42, while an increased pressure is created on the pressure side, i.e., also at the outlet of the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 and thus in the second connecting line 28, in particular a heat transfer medium pressure that is higher than the pressure in the first connecting line 24.This results in the first valve member of the further valve arrangement 26 moving into its first valve position, in which it is basically positioned to essentially block the first connecting line 24 against flow.

[0047] Due to the comparatively low temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is significantly below the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement of the further valve arrangement 26, its second valve element is also in its blocking position and thus an outflow of heat transfer medium from the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 in the direction of the first connecting line 24 is not possible. The heat transfer medium leaving the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 will therefore circulate in a small heat transfer medium flow circuit, which is indicated by the flow arrows P1 in Fig. 1. The heat transfer medium therefore flows from the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 and via the second connecting line 28 to the second heat exchanger arrangement 20, where it can transfer heat to the air to be conducted into the vehicle interior. The heat transfer medium then flows further through the third connecting line 30 in the direction of the valve arrangement 34. Since the first connecting line 24 and thus also the drive unit 12 are blocked against flow by the further valve arrangement 26, the heat transfer medium entering the valve arrangement 34 at the first flow connection area 32 cannot flow via the second flow connection area 36 and the fourth connecting line 38 in the direction of the drive unit 12.The heat transfer medium leaving the third connecting line 30 can only flow via the check valve 100 and thus the third flow connection area 40 into the fifth connecting line 42, via which it can flow back to the first heat transfer medium pump 44 and thus to the first heat exchanger arrangement 18.

[0048] If the temperature of the heat transfer medium increases and this temperature exceeds the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement of the further valve arrangement 26, the second valve element of this further valve arrangement 26 moves into its release position while the first valve element of this further valve arrangement 26 remains in its first valve position. As a result, the first valve element positioned in the first valve position now allows the heat transfer medium to flow through. The heat transfer medium leaving the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 can thus flow toward the second connecting line 28, but can also continue to flow toward the first connecting line 24.

[0049] A portion of the first heat transfer medium thus flows in an additional heat transfer medium flow circuit indicated by the flow arrows P2 via the first connecting line 24, the water jacket 14 of the drive unit 12 and the fourth connecting line 38 in the direction of the valve arrangement 34. In this case, the heat transfer medium can, for example, flow through the second heat transfer medium pump 46, which is not operated in this state. Since in this state a comparatively low pressure of the heat transfer medium is present at the third flow connection area 40 due to the suction effect of the first heat transfer medium pump 44, the pressure at the second flow connection area 36 is greater than the pressure at the third flow connection area 40 or also at the first flow connection area 32, so that the first valve member 56 of the valve arrangement 34 in its Fig. 2. Furthermore, since the temperature of the heat transfer medium is still comparatively low, i.e. below the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement 110, which can be in the range between 20 °C and 30 °C, the second valve element 80 is in its Fig. 2, so that a flow connection exists via the flow channel 112 from the second flow connection region 36 in the direction of the first flow connection region 32 and also to the third flow connection region 40. The heat transfer medium circulating in the additional heat transfer medium flow circuit P2 will therefore combine with the heat transfer medium circulating in the small heat transfer medium flow circuit P1 in the valve arrangement 34 and flow back to the first heat transfer medium pump 44 via the fifth connecting line 42. In this state, a large heat transfer medium flow circuit is thus established, which comprises the small heat transfer medium flow circuit P1 and the additional heat transfer medium flow circuit P2.Thus, heat is not only transferred to the air to be introduced into the vehicle interior, namely in the second heat exchanger arrangement 20, but heat is also transferred to the drive unit 12, so that the drive unit 12 is also preheated in this operating phase.

[0050] As the temperature of the drive unit 12 increases, the temperature drop of the heat transfer medium flowing through the drive unit 12 decreases. This means that the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing from the drive unit 12 into the fourth connecting line 38 increases and reaches or exceeds the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement 110. As a result, when the first valve element 56 is positioned in the first valve position, the actuating arrangement 110 moves the second valve element 80 into its blocking position, so that the flow channel 112 is blocked against flow. There is then essentially no flow connection between the second flow connection region 36 and the first flow connection region 32 or the third flow connection region 40, so that, although the first connecting line 24 is not blocked against flow by the further valve arrangement 26, when the switching temperature is reached or exceededIf the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement 110 in the valve arrangement 34 is exceeded, the drive unit 12 is blocked against flow. Only a comparatively small amount of heat transfer medium can continue to flow through the first valve element 56 via the bypass flow path 98 provided by the bypass flow openings 96, so that the shape memory element 92 of the first valve element 56 continues to be flowed around by the heat transfer medium and can sense its temperature. If, for example, due to a significant drop in the ambient temperature, the temperature of the drive unit 12 also decreases and, as a result, a larger temperature drop occurs in the heat transfer medium flowing through the drive unit 12, the shape memory element 92 can sense this, so that with a corresponding temperature drop, the second valve element 80 can be brought back into its release position by the actuating arrangement 110.

[0051] By blocking the flow of the drive unit 12 when the temperature drop of the heat transfer medium flowing through the drive unit 12 falls below a certain threshold, it is ensured that the drive unit 12 is only heated to a certain extent and then, if necessary with the involvement of the actuating arrangement 110, by alternately switching the second valve element 80 back and forth, a temperature control for the drive unit 12 takes place. This prevents excessive heating of the drive unit 12 and thus excessive heat loss via the drive unit 12 to the environment.If, due to sufficient heating of the drive unit 12 and the first valve element 56 being positioned in the first valve position, the second valve element 80 is in its blocking position, the additional heat transfer medium flow circuit P2 is blocked against flow, so that only the small heat transfer medium flow circuit P1 continues to be active and essentially all of the heat provided in the heater 16 can be transferred to the air to be introduced into the vehicle interior. Since, in this state, operation is generally in recirculation mode, i.e. essentially the same air is introduced into the vehicle interior that was previously drawn out of it, the temperature drop of the heat transfer medium in the small heat transfer medium flow circuit P1 in the region of the second heat exchanger arrangement 20 will also become increasingly smaller, which can be detected by corresponding temperature sensors, for example in the region of the heat transfer medium inlet or outlet.of the heat transfer medium outlet at the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 can be detected. Based on this temperature detection, the heating output of the heater 16 can then be adjusted accordingly, i.e., for example, it can be reduced as the temperature drop decreases. This leads to efficient, fuel-saving operation of the heater 16 because, on the one hand, excessive heat loss via the drive unit 12 is avoided when the latter has been sufficiently heated, and, on the other hand, the temperature or heating output of the heater 16 can then be controlled taking into account the amount of energy still required to heat the air to be introduced into the vehicle interior.

[0052] If a vehicle equipped with the heat transfer medium circuit 10 is put into operation, i.e. if the drive unit 12 is started, the second heat transfer medium pump 46 assigned to it is generally also put into operation. This has a greater delivery capacity than the first heat transfer medium pump 44, so that when these two heat transfer medium pumps 44, 46 are operated simultaneously, the pressure in the first connecting line 24, which is essentially determined by the outlet pressure of the second heat transfer medium pump 46, will be greater than the outlet pressure of the first heat transfer medium pump 44. This has the result that the first valve element of the further valve arrangement 26 now reaches its second valve position. In this state, the heat transfer medium conveyed by the second heat transfer medium pump 46 in the direction of the first connecting line 24 can, if necessary.via the first heat transfer medium pump 44 through the first heat exchanger arrangement 18 and then into the second connecting line 28, so that the two heat transfer medium pumps 46, 44 operate in series in this state. A portion of the heat transfer medium pumped by the second heat transfer medium pump 46 can flow directly, i.e., bypassing the first heat transfer medium pump 44 and the first heat exchanger arrangement 18, toward the second connecting line 28. In this state, an operating heat transfer medium flow circuit is then established, which in . Fig. 1 is indicated by the flow arrows P3. The pressure of the heat transfer medium prevailing in the fourth connecting line 38 is significantly lower than the pressure in the third connecting line 30 due to the connection of this fourth connecting line 38 to the suction side of the second heat transfer medium pump 46. Therefore, the first valve member 56 of the valve arrangement 34 is moved to its Fig.4. In this state, regardless of the temperature of the heat transfer medium, a flow connection is established between the first flow connection region 32 and the second flow connection region 36. The heat transfer medium leaving the second heat exchanger arrangement 20 can thus flow back to the second heat transfer medium pump 46 via the third connecting line 30, the valve arrangement 34 and the fourth connecting line 38. Since in this state the pressure in the fifth connecting line 42 will be greater than the pressure in the fourth connecting line 38 and also the pressure in the third connecting line 30, the check valve 100 is brought into its blocking position so that a flow short circuit bypassing the second heat exchanger arrangement 20 via the fifth connecting line 42 cannot occur.

[0053] Immediately after the drive unit 12 is started up, it and the heater 16 can operate simultaneously, meaning the heater 16 can act as an auxiliary heater. In this state, it is advantageous to operate the two heat transfer medium pumps 46, 44 simultaneously, i.e., with serial operation. If continued operation of the heater 16 and thus also of the first heat transfer medium pump 44 is no longer required, these system areas can be deactivated. The heat transfer medium will then circulate in the operating heat transfer medium flow circuit P3 solely through the pumping action of the second heat transfer medium pump 46. Since, in this state, a direct flow connection exists between the first connecting line 24 and the second connecting line 28, a larger portion of the heat transfer medium will take this flow path.A smaller part of the heat transfer medium can continue to flow through the first heat transfer medium pump 44 and the first heat exchanger arrangement 18, so that in principle a comparatively low flow resistance prevails in the area of ​​the further valve arrangement 26 or also of the heater 16.

[0054] The use of valve assembly 34 ensures efficient, energy-saving operation of the heat transfer medium circuit, while maintaining unrestricted functionality in both auxiliary heating and auxiliary heating modes. At the same time, valve assembly 34 is compact and simple in design, combining the functionality of a pressure- and temperature-dependent switching valve section with the functionality of a pressure-dependent check valve. The integration of the second valve element into the first valve element is particularly advantageous in achieving a compact design.

[0055] It should be noted that the functionality described above can also be achieved in that the second valve element with the flow channel accommodating it is arranged parallel to the path of action of the first valve element, i.e. next to and thus outside the first valve element, in a corresponding section of the valve housing and, under the corresponding action of the actuating arrangement, there is then a flow path between the first flow connection area and the second flow connection area that can be opened or closed off by the second valve element in a temperature-dependent manner, parallel to the flow path that can be opened by means of the first valve element between the first flow connection area and the second flow connection area.If the first valve element is in its first valve position, as previously explained, this parallel flow path can be opened by the second valve element when the temperature of the heat transfer medium is below the switching temperature, so that a flow connection exists between the first flow connection area and the second flow connection area. If the temperature of the heat transfer medium increases, this parallel flow path can also be blocked. If the pressure conditions change and the first valve element reaches its second valve position, the first valve element then opens the flow connection between the first flow connection area and the second flow connection area, regardless of the position of the second valve element arranged in the parallel flow path.

Claims

[1] Valve arrangement (34), in particular for adjusting a heat transfer medium flow in the heat transfer medium circuit (10) of a vehicle, comprising a valve housing (48) through which heat transfer medium can flow and having a first flow connection region (32) and a second flow connection region (36), a first valve member (56) adjustable in the valve housing (48) between a first valve position and a second valve position as a function of a pressure difference between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36),wherein in the first valve position of the first valve member (56), a flow connection between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36) can be blocked by the first valve member (56), and in the second valve position of the first valve member (56), the flow connection between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36) is opened, further comprising a flow channel (112) between the first flow connection region (32) and the second flow connection region (36) and a second valve member (80) which, depending on the temperature, releases the flow channel (112) in a release position for flow and blocks it against flow in a blocking position, wherein an actuating arrangement (110) is assigned to the second valve member (80), characterized bythat the second valve member (80) is set in its release position by the actuating arrangement (110) when the heat transfer medium temperature is below a switching temperature and is set in its blocking position when the heat transfer medium temperature is above the switching temperature. [2] Valve arrangement (34) according to claim 1, characterized by that when the heat transfer medium pressure at the first flow connection region (32) is above the heat transfer medium pressure at the second flow connection region (36), the first valve member (56) is in its first valve position and when the heat transfer medium pressure at the first flow connection region (32) is below the heat transfer medium pressure at the second flow connection region (36), the first valve member (56) is in its second valve position. [3] Valve arrangement (34) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the actuating arrangement (110) comprises a prestressing element (90) which prestresses the second valve member (80) into its release position and a temperature-dependent expanding actuating element (92) which acts on the second valve member (80) into its blocking position against the prestressing action of the prestressing element (90). [4] Valve arrangement (34) according to claim 3, characterized by that the prestressing element (90) comprises at least one prestressing spring (90) and / or that the adjusting element (92) comprises at least one shape memory element (92). [5] Valve arrangement (34) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the first valve member (56) comprises the flow channel (112) and the second valve member (80). [6] Valve arrangement (34) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byin that the first valve member (56) comprises a valve body (66) with an interior space (68) providing the flow channel (112), wherein the second valve member (80) is arranged in the interior space (68) so as to be adjustable between its release position and its blocking position. [7] Valve arrangement (34) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by in that the first valve member (56) comprises a valve body (66) with an interior space (68) providing the flow channel (112), wherein the valve body (66) has a valve seat (84) for the second valve member (80) to sit on in its blocking position. [8] Valve arrangement (34) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the first valve member (56) has a bypass flow path (98) for providing a heat transfer medium bypass flow through the first valve member (56) when the second valve member (80) is positioned in its blocking position. [9] Valve arrangement (34) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that a third flow connection region (40) branching off from the first flow connection region (32) is present and that a check valve (100) is assigned to the third flow connection region (40), wherein the check valve (100) allows a heat transfer medium flow from the first flow connection region (32) and / or from the second flow connection region (36) through the third flow connection region (40) and prevents a heat transfer medium flow through the third flow connection region (40) to the first flow connection region (32) and to the second flow connection region (36). [10] Valve arrangement (34) according to claim 9, characterized byin that the valve housing (48) provides the first flow connection region (32), the second flow connection region (36) and the third flow connection region (40), wherein a valve seat (109) for seating a check valve member (102) is provided on the third flow connection region (40). [11] Heat transfer medium circuit (10) for a vehicle, comprising: - a heater (16) with a first heat exchanger arrangement (18) for transferring heat provided in the heater (16) to a heat transfer medium, - a second heat exchanger arrangement (20) for transferring heat transported in the heat transfer medium to air to be introduced into a vehicle interior, - a drive unit (12) with a heat transfer medium jacket (14) through which the heat transfer medium can flow, - a valve arrangement (34) according to one of the preceding claims, - a first connecting line (24) between the drive unit (12) and the heater (16), - a second connecting line (28) between the heater (16) and the second heat exchanger arrangement (20), - a third connecting line (30) between the second heat exchanger arrangement (20) and the first flow connection area (32) of the valve arrangement (34), - a fourth connecting line (38) between the second flow connection region (36) of the valve arrangement (34) and the drive unit (12). [12] Heat transfer medium circuit (10) according to claim 11 in conjunction with claim 9, characterized by that the heater has a fifth connecting line (42) between the third flow connection area (40) and the heater (16). [13] Heat transfer medium circuit (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized bythat the heater (16) is assigned a further valve arrangement (26), wherein the further valve arrangement (26) is designed to then - when the heat transfer medium temperature is below a further switching temperature, to block the first connecting line (24) against flow and to release the second connecting line (28) for flow, such that a small heat transfer medium flow circuit (P1) is established from the heater (16) through the second connecting line (28), through the second heat exchanger arrangement (20), through the third connecting line (30), through the valve arrangement (34), through the fifth connecting line (42) to the heater (16), - when the heat transfer medium temperature is above the further switching temperature, to release the first connecting line (24) and the second connecting line (28) for flow through, such that a large heat transfer medium flow circuit (P1, P2) is set up, comprising the small heat transfer medium flow circuit (P1) and an additional heat transfer medium flow circuit (P2) from the heater (16) through the first connecting line (24), through the drive unit (12), through the fourth connecting line (38), through the valve arrangement (34), through the fifth connecting line (42) to the heater (16). [14] Heat transfer medium circuit (10) according to claim 13, characterized by that the switching temperature of the actuating arrangement (110) is below the further switching temperature. [15] Heat transfer medium circuit (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized bythat the heater (16) is assigned a first heat transfer medium pump (44) for providing a heat transfer medium flow through the small heat transfer medium flow circuit (P1) or the large heat transfer medium flow circuit (P1, P2). [16] Heat transfer medium circuit (10) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by that the further valve arrangement (26) is designed to establish an operating heat transfer medium flow circuit (P3) from the drive unit (12) through the first connecting line (24), through the second connecting line (28), through the second heat exchanger arrangement (20), through the third connecting line (30), through the valve arrangement (34), through the fourth connecting line (38) to the drive unit (12) when the heat transfer medium pressure in the first connecting line (24) is greater than the heat transfer medium pressure in the second connecting line (28). [17] Heat transfer medium circuit (10) according to claim 16, characterized by a second heat transfer medium pump (46) for conveying heat transfer medium to flow through the operating heat transfer medium flow circuit (P3).

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